Digital rotary control valve

ABSTRACT

A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to valves and, more particularlyto a valve having a rotatable flow diverter for directing flow of afluid through the valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional engine coolant systems for automobile engines incorporatethermostats having expansion elements for controlling flow of an enginecoolant to a radiator of the coolant system. The thermostat expansionelement is adapted to shift from a closed condition to an openedcondition when the coolant temperature reaches an operating temperaturerange for controlling flow of the coolant between a bypass line and theradiator. In the closed condition, the thermostat is adapted to directall of the coolant to the bypass line. This enables the coolant to warmup more quickly. When the coolant has been warmed to the temperaturerange, the thermostat opens allowing coolant to be directed to theradiator via the radiator line.

Engine coolant systems also include electronically controlled valves fordirecting coolant between an inlet to the valve and two or more outletsfrom the valve. For example, one known valve directs flow from an inletline to one or more of three outlets respectively connected to aradiator line, a bypass line and a heating line. The valve directs theflow of the engine coolant to the outlets depending on a rotationalposition of a disc-like blocking element located within the interior ofa valve body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve comprises abody having an interior defining an inlet passageway and at least twodischarge passageways. The valve also comprises a flow diverter havingan interior and disposed within the interior of the body between theinlet passageway and the discharge passageways. The flow diverter isadapted to receive a flow of a fluid within the interior of the flowdiverter from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The flowdiverter is adapted to discharge at least a portion of the flow into oneof the discharge passageways from the interior of the flow diverter in adischarge direction that is different from the inlet direction. The flowdiverter is rotatable with respect to the body about a central axis ofthe flow diverter to vary the discharge direction for the at least aportion of the flow of the fluid. The valve also comprises a motorcoupled to the flow diverter for drivingly rotating the flow diverterwith respect to the body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes a mainjunction having a substantially cylindrical wall defining an interiorlocated between the inlet passageway and the discharge passageways. Theflow diverter includes a substantially cylindrical wall rotatablyreceived within the interior of the main junction of the body. The bodyof the valve includes a flange located at an end of the main junctionand a closure plate received by a recessed shoulder defined by theflange to enclose the flow diverter within the interior of the mainjunction of the body.

According to one embodiment, the valve includes a first dischargepassageway and a second discharge passageway and the flow diverter isrotatable between first and second flow positions. The passageways andthe flow diverter are arranged such that the flow diverter directssubstantially all of the fluid from the interior of the flow diverterinto the first passageway when the flow diverter is in the first flowposition and directs substantially all of the fluid from the interior ofthe flow diverter into the second passageway when the flow diverter isin the second flow position. The flow diverter includes a substantiallycylindrical wall and defines a discharge opening extending aroundapproximately one-half of a circumference of the cylindrical wall. Theflow diverter is rotatable through an angle of approximately 150 degreesbetween the first and second flow positions.

According to another aspect of the invention, a valve comprises a bodyhaving an interior defining an inlet passageway and at least twodischarge passageways. The valve also comprises a flow diverter definingan interior and disposed within the interior of the body between theinlet passageway and the discharge passageways. The flow diverter isadapted to receive a flow of a fluid within the interior of the flowdiverter from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The flowdiverter is adapted to discharge at least a portion of the flow of thefluid into one of the discharge passageways from the interior of theflow diverter in a discharge direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the inlet direction. The flow diverter is rotatablewith respect to the body about an axis of rotation of the flow diverterto vary the discharge direction for the at least a portion of the flowof the fluid.

According to another aspect of the invention, a valve comprises a bodydefining an interior having at least one inlet passageway and at leastdischarge passageway and a flow-controlling diverter disposed within theinterior of the body between the at least one inlet passageway and theat least one discharge passageway. The diverter is adapted to receive aflow of fluid within the interior of the diverter from at least one ofthe inlet passageways in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted todischarge the fluid from the interior of the diverter to at least one ofthe discharge passages in a discharge direction substantiallyperpendicular to the inlet direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a formof the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, partly in section, of a valve accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1 taken along the line2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view, partly in section, of a valve according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the valve of FIG. 3 taken along the line 4-4in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve of FIG. 3, illustrated partly insection showing a portion of the interior of a flow diverter of thevalve.

FIG. 6 is a flat layout illustration of a portion of the flow diverterof the valve of FIG. 3, the flow diverter shown in a full open position.

FIG. 7 is a flat layout illustration of the flow diverter of FIG. 6shown in a full closed position.

FIG. 8 is side view, partly in section, of a valve according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a valve according to a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the valve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is side view of a valve according to a fifth exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view, partly in section, of a valve according to ansixth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flat layout illustration of a portion of the flow diverterof the valve of FIG. 12, the flow diverter illustrated in a full openposition.

FIG. 14 is a flat layout illustration of the flow diverter of FIG. 13shown in a full closed position.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic illustrations of engine coolant systemsincorporating the valve of FIGS. 3 through 5.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an engine coolant systemincorporating the valve of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 18 illustrates the rotary valve in combination with an electronicwater pump.

FIG. 19 illustrates the rotary valve/water pump combination of FIG. 18mounted to an engine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements,there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a valve 10 according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention. The valve 10 includes a body 12defining an interior for receiving a fluid, such as a coolant for anengine of an automobile for example. The body 12 includes an inlet 14defining an inlet passageway and first and second outlets 16, 18defining outlet passageways. The body 12 also includes a main junction20 to which each of the inlet 14 and the first and second outlets 16, 18is connected such that an interior defined by the main junction 20communicates in common fashion with each interiors of each of the inlet14 and the outlets 16, 18. As shown, the inlet 14 and the outlets 16, 18of the depicted valve body 12 are tubular in form defining substantiallycylindrical interiors. The interior of the main junction 20 is alsosubstantially cylindrical.

The valve 10 includes a flow diverter 22 located within the interior ofthe main junction 20 of the body 12 between the inlet 14 and the outlets16, 18. The flow diverter 22 includes a tubular side wall 24 defining aninterior. The outer surface of the side wall 24 of flow diverter 22 issubstantially cylindrical to provide for sliding receipt of the flowdiverter 22 within the interior of the main junction 20 of valve body12. The sliding receipt of the flow diverter 22 in this manner providesfor rotation of the flow diverter 22 with respect to the valve body 12about a central axis of the flow diverter 22.

The valve 10 includes a motor 26 having an output shaft 28 engaging theflow diverter 22 for drivingly rotating the flow diverter 22 withrespect to the valve body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the flowdiverter 22 includes an end wall 30 connected to the side wall 24 of theflow diverter 22 at one end of the side wall 24. The flow diverter 22also includes a socket 32 on the end wall 30 extending from a surface ofthe end wall 30 opposite the interior of the flow diverter 22. As shownin FIG. 1, the socket 32 is adapted to receive an end portion of themotor output shaft 28. To facilitate engagement, and transfer of torque,between the motor 26 and the flow diverter 22, the socket 32 and the endportion of the output shaft 28 can include flattened surfaces (e.g., ahex-head, non-circular, triangular or flat configurations).

Referring to FIG. 2, the first and second outlets 16, 18 are spacedapart from each other on the main junction 20 such that an angle, θ_(A),defined between central axes of the outlets 16, 18 is equal toapproximately 150 degrees. The inlet 14 of the illustrated valve 10 isspaced between the outlets 16, 18 on the main junction 20 such thatangles, θ_(B) and θ_(C), defined between the inlet 14 and the first andsecond outlets 16, 18, respectively, are each equal to approximately 105degrees. An opening 34 is defined in the side wall 24 of the flowdiverter 22 extending around approximately one-half (i.e., 180 degrees)of the circumference of the tubular side wall 24. The opening 34 islocated along the length of the side wall 24 of the flow diverter 22 toposition the opening 34 adjacent the location of the inlet 14 and theoutlets 16, 18 on the main junction 20.

Arranged in this manner, the opening 34 in the flow diverter 22 isadapted to provide communication between the inlet 14 and either one ofthe first and second outlets 16, 18 as follows. The flow diverter 22 isshown in FIG. 2 in a first flow position. In the first flow position,the flow diverter 22 is oriented rotationally with respect to the valvebody 12 such that the opening 34 provides communication between thefirst outlet 16 and the interior of the flow diverter 22. As shown, theopening 34 in the first flow position also provides communicationbetween the inlet 14 and the interior of the flow diverter 22. As aresult, a flow of a fluid directed into the interior of valve body 12will be directed in the first flow position into the first outlet 16 viathe interior of the flow diverter 22 as illustrated by the flow arrow inFIG. 2. As shown, the tubular side wall 24 of flow diverter 22 functionsto close the second outlet 18 from the interior of the main junction 20in the first flow position, thereby preventing fluid from being directedinto the second outlet 18. Those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand that a counter-clockwise rotation of the flow diverter 22(from the point of view shown in FIG. 2) by an angle equal toapproximately θ_(A) (e.g., approximately 150 degrees) will position theflow diverter 22 in a second flow position in which the fluid isdirected from the inlet 14 into the second outlet 18. In a similarmanner as the second outlet 18 in the first flow position, the flowdiverter 22 will function to close the first outlet 16 from the interiorof the main junction 20 in the second flow position such that flow ofthe fluid into the first outlet 16 is prevented.

The motor 26 is preferably adapted to provide two-way travel of the flowdiverter 22 between the first and second flow positions. According to apresently preferred embodiment, the motor 26 is a stepper motor and thevalve 10 includes travel stops (not shown) for limiting the rotationaltravel of the flow diverter 22 between the first and second flowpositions. Such a construction provides for the use of a simpletorque-limited stepper motor for driving the flow diverter 22. The valveof the present invention is not limited to stepper motor and couldinclude other types of motive force (e.g., DC motor, solenoid,hydraulic, or mechanical force) for driving the flow diverter. The useof a DC motor or a hydraulic or mechanical force for driving the flowdiverter would be desirable for higher capacity valves (e.g., valveshaving capacity greater than approximately 200 gallons per minute).

The valve 10 includes a mounting plate 36 at one end of the mainjunction 20 of the valve body 12. The mounting plate 36 is adapted toreceive fasteners 38 for securing the valve body 12 to a housing of themotor 26. The valve 10 also includes an annular flange 40 located at anend of the main junction 20 of valve body 12 opposite the mounting plate36. As shown in FIG. 1, the flange 40 defines a recessed shoulder on aninner surface for receiving a closure plate 42 to enclose the flowdiverter 22 within the interior of the main junction 20. The flange 40and the closure plate 42 facilitate placement of the flow diverter 22into the interior of the valve body 12 during assembly of the valve 10.

For smaller capacity valves (e.g., capacity less than approximately 150gals/minute), all components of the flow diverter and valve body canmolded from a thermoplastic material (e.g., glass-filled nylon). Thisincludes valves on most passenger cars having operating temperaturesranging between approximately 40 degrees Centigrade and approximately130 degrees Centigrade. For valves used in HD diesel engines and forlarger capacity valves, the flow diverter and valve body would bothpreferably be made from a metal (e.g., aluminum). The use of similarmaterials (e.g., all plastic or all metal) for the flow diverter and thevalve body, desirably provides more uniform thermal expansion to helpprevent sticking between the flow diverter and the valve body. Thealuminum of the flow diverter 22 can be coated with apolytetrafluoroethylene material (e.g., Teflon®) to facilitate relativerotation between the flow diverter 22 and the valve body 12. Theinclusion of a coating of polytetrafluorethylene on the diverter 22would also help prevent sludge build-up on the diverter 22. For valveshaving a valve body made from a thermoplastic material, the closureplate 42 of valve body 12 is preferably secured to the flange 40 using athermoplastic welding process (e.g., spin welding). It should beunderstood, however, that the present invention is not limited to anyparticular material such as aluminum or thermoplastics and that othermaterials (e.g., magnesium) could be used. Also, although preferred, itis not required that a similar material be used to form both the flowdiverter and the valve body. It is conceived that the use of mixedmaterials could have application in special circumstances.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main junction 20 of valve body 12 and the flowdiverter 22 are preferably dimensioned such that a controlled gap 44 isdefined between the closure plate 42 and an end of the flow diverter 22.

The flow diverter 22 of valve 10 includes apertures 45 defined in theend wall 30 of the flow diverter 22. The apertures 45 in end wall 30allow some of the fluid directed into the interior of the flow diverter22 to pass through the end wall 30 into a space provided between the endwall 30 and the mounting plate 36. The receipt of fluid via apertures 45serves to prevent a pressure imbalance that could otherwise develop onopposite sides of the end wall 30.

Although the flow diverter 22 has been described above as directing flowto either the first outlet 16 or the second outlet 18, it should beunderstood that the flow diverter 22 could be adapted to provide aposition in which a flow of a fluid is split between the first andsecond outlets 16, 18.

In the above-described valve 10 the flow of fluid is directed into theinterior of the flow diverter 22, and discharged from the interior ofthe flow diverter 22, through the opening 34 in the side wall 24. Thus,the fluid is directed in lateral directions (i.e., perpendicular to thecentral axis of the flow diverter 22) for both inlet and discharge.Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, there is illustrated a valve 46according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention having aflow diverter 48 in which the fluid is turned 90 degrees, either axiallyto laterally with respect to the flow diverter 48, or alternativelylaterally to axially, between the inlet and discharge of fluid.

The valve 46 includes a body 50 defining an interior and including aninlet 52 and first and second outlets 54, 56 that, similar to the inletsand outlets of valve 10 are substantially cylindrical. The valve body 50also includes a substantially cylindrical main junction 58 locatedbetween the inlet 52 and the outlets 54, 56. The outlets 54, 56 extendlaterally from the main junction 58 and are located on opposite sides ofthe main junction 58 of the illustrated valve 46. The inlet 52 islocated at an end of the main junction 58 and is oriented such that acentral axis of the inlet 52 is substantially parallel to, and alignedwith, a central axis of the main junction 58. Although the valve 46 isshown and described as including inlet 46 and outlets 54, 56, thepresent invention is not so limited. It should be understood that thedirection of flow could be reversed such that flow enters the valve 46from a pair of “inlets” (e.g., elements 54, 56) for discharge via asingle “outlet” (e.g., element 46).

The flow diverter 48, similar to the flow diverter 22 of valve 10,includes a tubular side wall 60 defining an interior and having an outersurface slidingly received by the main junction 58 for relative rotationbetween the flow diverter 48 and the valve body 50. Also similar to flowdiverter 22 of valve 10, the flow diverter 48 includes an end wall 62and a socket 64 engagingly receiving an output shaft 68 of a motor 66for driven rotation of the flow diverter 48 by the motor 66. The socket64 on flow diverter 48 extends inwardly with respect to the flowdiverter 48, in contrast to the socket 32 of flow diverter 22 whichextends in an outward direction from the end wall 30 of flow diverter22. The valve 46 includes a mounting plate 70 at an end of the mainjunction 58 of valve body 50 receiving fasteners 72 to secure the valvebody 50 to the motor 66. The valve 46 includes a bushing 74 received inan opening defined in the mounting plate 70 for rotatably supporting theoutput shaft 68 of motor 66. Also, in some applications a simple radialO-ring shaft seal (not shown) can be utilized. According to a presentlypreferred embodiment, the motor 66 is a stepper motor. As shown, themotor 66 can include dual motor leads 75 to provide protection againstfailure of the motor in the event that one of the leads becomesinoperative. Preferably, separation is provided between the leads 75 tolimit the risk that an event causing severance of one of the motor leads75 result in severance of both motor leads 75. It is also contemplatedthat in the event of a relatively high motor torque (e.g., a torqueabove a design range for motor 66) the valve 46 could be adapted to sendan alert signal for service identifying a failure mode.

Similar to valve 10, the valve 46 includes a flange 76 located at an endof the main junction 58 opposite the mounting plate 70 and defining arecessed shoulder on an inner surface of the flange 76. The flange 76 onthe main junction 58 is adapted to receive a flange 78 located at an endof the inlet 52 for connecting the inlet 52 to the main junction 58. Theinlet 52 is preferably secured to the main junction 58 by welding theflanges 76, 78 to each other. According to one preferred embodiment, thevalve body 50 is made from a thermoplastic material (e.g., glass-fillednylon) and the inlet 52 is secured to the main junction 58 using athermoplastic welding process (e.g., spin welding).

The connection of the inlet 52 at the end of the main junction 58 in theabove-described manner results in fluid being directed into the interiorof the flow diverter 48 in an axial direction with respect to the flowdiverter 48 through an open end 80 of the flow diverter 48. As shown inFIG. 3, at least one opening 82 is defined in the side wall 60 of theflow diverter 48 for discharging fluid to one of the outlets 54, 56depending on the angular orientation of the flow diverter 48 withrespect to the valve body 50. Preferably, the flow diverter 48 includesan opening on each of opposite sides of the side wall 60. As describedbelow in greater detail, the use of a pair of openings in this mannerlimits the amount of rotation necessary to move the flow diverter 48between first and second flow positions for respectively directing theflow to the first and second outlets 54, 56 of valve 46. As shown in thedrawings and described below in greater detail in the description ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the openings 82 are not circular in shape. Instead, theconfiguration of the openings 82 has been empirically developed toprovide desired flow characteristics (e.g., to transition flow duringinitial opening of the valve to prevent “gulps” of cold coolant fromentering an engine). The use of separate discharge openings also allowsfor differing configurations for the openings, as also described below,for more precise flow control (e.g., a first configuration for aradiator outlet versus a by-pass outlet).

The flow diverter 48 also includes apertures 84 defined in the end wall62 of the flow diverter 48. The apertures 84 in end wall 62 allow someof the fluid directed into the interior of the flow diverter 48 via theinlet 52 to pass through the end wall 62 into a space 86 providedbetween the end wall 62 and the mounting plate 70. The receipt of fluidwithin the space 86 via apertures 84 serves to prevent a pressureimbalance that could otherwise develop on opposite sides of the end wall62.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the rotary valve 46 is configured such thatthe flow diverter 48, and the main junction 58 of body 50 in which theflow diverter 48 is housed, have substantially uniform wall thicknessabout the valve body 50. Uniformity in wall thickness in this mannerfacilitates precision molding of both mating components of the valve 46to control all close tolerances features including roundness. Suchprecision facilitates dimensional stability under all operatingconditions for the valve 46.

Referring to FIG. 5, the flanges 76, 78 of the valve body 50 of rotaryvalve 46 are adapted to receive fasteners 112 (e.g., nut and boltconnectors) in aligned openings for securing the inlet of the valve body50 to the main junction 58. As shown in FIG. 5, the valve 46 preferablyincludes an O-ring face seal between the flanges 76, 78. As also shownin FIG. 5, a taper is preferably provided on the inner surface of themain junction 58 adjacent the flanges 76, 78 to facilitate assembly ofthe diverter 48 with the O-ring component.

The interior volume provided by the construction of the flow diverter 48provides an ideal transition between the axially inlet flow of fluid tothe radially discharged flow (or alternately, between a radially inletflow and an axially discharged flow in a reversed flow application ofthe valve 46). Also, the rounded configuration of the rotary valve 46 ofthe present invention allows the valve to operate freely regardless ofpressure differentials between various components of a fluid controlsystem (e.g., between radiator, engine, by-pass, etc. of an enginecoolant system) and without the need for extra torque or specialbalancing passageways as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. 2006/0005789. Theconstruction of the valve also provides space saving efficiencies forreduced package size.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a portion of the side wall 60 of flowdiverter 48 of valve 46 is shown. The portion of the substantiallycylindrical side wall 60 has been illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 in a flatlayout form to facilitate description. The flow diverter 48 isrespectively shown in full open and full closed positions in FIGS. 6 and7. The inner diameter of the associated outlet 56 is shown in dottedline in FIGS. 6 and 7 to illustrate the relative positions between theopening 82 in the figures to illustrate the relative positions betweenthe opening 82 and the outlet 56 in the full open and full closed flowpositions. As described above, the flow diverter 48 preferably includesa second opening (not shown) on an opposite side of the flow diverter48. As understood by one skilled in the art, the inclusion of twoopenings in this manner limits the amount of rotation necessary to movethe flow diverter between first and second flow positions in which fluidis directed to the first and second outlets 54, 56, respectively.

The opening 82 in the flow diverter side wall 60 includes a rounded end116 at one end of the opening 82. As shown, the rounded end 116 has aradius that is substantially equal to that of the inner surface of theassociated outlet 56. In this manner, the opening 82 is configured suchthat no portion of the flow diverter side wall 60 will block the outlet56 in the full open position shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., there is completecommunication between the interior of the flow diverter 48 and theinterior of the outlet 56). The opening 82 is non-symmetrical includingan opposite end 118 that is not circular in configuration. Instead, asshown, the edge of the flow diverter side wall 60 defining the opening82 returns inwardly with respect to the opening 82 at the second end 118such that a portion of the side wall 60 forms a tongue-like formation120 projecting inwardly into the opening 82 at the second end 118. Asshould be understood by one skilled in the art, the inclusion of thetongue-like projection 120 at the second end 118 of opening 82 providesfor controlled transition in the flow of fluid being directed from theflow diverter 48 to the associated outlet 56 as the flow diverter 48 ismoved from the full open position towards the full closed position(i.e., downwardly in the point of view of FIG. 6). In addition tolimiting necessary rotation between the first and second flow positions,the inclusion of separate openings on opposite sides of the flowdiverter 48 allows for customization of the flow-controlling projectiondefined at the second end of the opening (e.g., differently configuredprojection for a radiator outlet of an automotive coolant systemcompared to that for a by-pass outlet).

The flow diverter 48 also defines a substantially circular O-ring groove122 in an outer surface of the side wall 60 adapted for receiving anO-ring seal (not shown). As shown in FIG. 7, the groove 122 is locatedwith respect to the opening 82 to position the groove 122 in asubstantially concentric relationship with the associated outlet 56 inthe full closed condition to provide a closure seal between the diverter48 and the outlet 56. It should be understood that the O-ring featurecould be included on any of the various embodiments of the rotary valveof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a valve 124 according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of the invention. The valve 124 is adapted forrelatively larger flow capacity compared to the valve 46. The valve 124includes a body 126 including and inlet 128 connected to a main junction130 at an end of the main junction 130. The body 126 also includes apair of outlets 132, 133 connected in transverse manner to the mainjunction 130 similar to the outlets 54, 56 of valve 46 for example. In asimilar manner as valve 46, the inlet 128 and the main junction 130respectively include flanges 134, 136 adapted for receiving fasteners138 (e.g., nut and bolt connectors) for securing the inlet 128 to themain junction 130.

The valve 124 includes a flow diverter 140 rotatably received within aninterior of the main junction 130. The flow diverter 140 includes asubstantially cylindrical side wall 142 and an end wall 144 defining asocket 146 for receiving an output shaft 150 of a drive motor 148. Itshould be understood that the flow diverter 140 includes openings (notshown) in the side wall 142 of the flow diverter as described above toprovide for respectively opening and closing the outlets of the valve124 to fluid from the interior of the diverter 140. To facilitaterotatable support of the flow diverter 140 within the valve body 126,the valve 124 includes a pair of watertight bearings 152 located atopposite ends of the flow diverter 140 within housing portions of themain junction 130. An intermediate area of the valve 124 located betweenthe bearings 152 is sized to minimize friction. According to a presentlypreferred embodiment, the valve body 126 and the flow diverter 140 areboth made from aluminum. The flow diverter 140 can be coated withpolytetrafluoroethylene to further limit friction between the flowdiverter 140 and the valve body 126.

As shown in FIG. 8, the valve 124 includes an O-ring seal locatedbetween the outer surface of the flow diverter 140 and the interior ofthe main junction 130 adjacent the outlet 132 to provide a seal betweenthe outer surface of the flow diverter 140 and the interior of the mainjunction 130.

Similar to the above-described valves 10, 46, the valve 124 includes amounting plate at an end of the main junction 130 receiving fasteners tosecure the valve body 126 to the motor 148 of valve 124. As discussedabove, the flow diverter of each of the valves 10, 46, 124 also includesan end wall defining a socket engagingly receiving the output shaft ofthe motor. In addition to facilitating valve assembly, theseconstruction features also facilitate subsequent access to interiorcomponents of the valves, thereby promoting serviceability of the valves(e.g., for repair or replacement of an interior component of the valve).This serviceability feature is particularly desirable in valves such asthe higher capacity valve 124 providing ready access for servicinginterior components of the valve 124 such as the watertight bearings152. Regarding the desired serviceability feature, certain largecapacity valves (e.g., capacity greater than approximately 400gals/minute) are expected to incorporate preventive maintenanceprovisions due to the initial high purchase cost.

Each of valves 46, 124, described above, includes a single inlet and aplurality of outlets adapted for receiving a fluid from the inlet via anintermediately located flow diverter. The present invention, however, isnot so limited. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a valve 154according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention. The valve154 includes a body 156 including a substantially cylindrical mainjunction 158 and a flow diverter 160 rotatably received within aninterior of the main junction 158 in the above described manner andhaving openings 162 in a side wall of the flow diverter. The valve body156 of valve 154 includes an outlet 164 located at an end of the mainjunction 158 in an axially aligned manner similar to the inlet 52 ofvalve 46 for example. However, instead of directing fluid into the flowdiverter 160, the outlet 164 receives fluid from the flow diverter 160as indicated by the flow arrow in FIG. 9. The valve 154 includes a motor166 to which the main junction 158 of body 156 is secured in theabove-described manner for valves 46, 124.

The valve body 156 includes first, second and third inlets 168, 170, 172each connected to the main junction 158 in transverse fashion fordirecting a fluid into the interior of the flow diverter 160 through theopenings 162 of the diverter 160. The inlets 168, 170, 172 are spacedabout the main junction 158 such that angles, θ_(D), θ_(E), θ_(F), arerespectively defined between the first and third inlets 168, 172,between the first and second inlets 168, 170 and between the second andthird inlets 170, 172. The angles, θ_(D), θ_(E), θ_(F), are respectivelyequal to approximately 100 degrees, 130 degrees, and 130 degrees,respectively, in the depicted embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the valve 154 could be adapted to directcoolant fluid in an automotive engine and the inlets 168, 170, 172 couldrespectively receive coolant fluid from an engine bypass line, from theradiator, and from the transmission (or engine oil pan) to direct thecoolant fluid to a coolant pump via the outlet 164. This valve conceptis illustrated in the layout drawing of FIG. 18. The bypass line 168 andthe radiator inlet line 170 maintain the same open and close features asexplained above for valve 46 of FIGS. 3 through 5. However, thetransmission line 172 is designed to always remain opened. This allowsfor the cooling of the transmission fluid during hot conditions and theheating of the transmission fluid during cold conditions.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a valve 176 according to a fifthexemplary embodiment of the invention. Similar to valve 154, the valve176 includes a body 178 having a single outlet 180 connected to an endof a main junction 182 in an axially aligned manner and a flow diverter184 rotatably received in an interior of the main junction 182. The mainjunction 182 is secured to a motor 186 at an end of the main junction182 opposite the outlet 180.

The valve body 178 includes a plurality of inlets arranged in two groupsof inlets each including three inlets. The inlets of the first groupinclude first, second and third inlets 188, 190, 192 and the inlets ofthe second group include fourth, fifth and sixth inlets 194, 196, 198.The first group of inlets 188, 190, 192 is spaced about the mainjunction 182 at a first axial location of the main junction 182 and thesecond group of inlets 194, 196, 198 is spaced about the main junction182 at a second axial location of the main junction 182. In theabove-described manner, the flow diverter 184 of valve 176 includesopenings, such as opening 200 for inlet 190, for directing fluid intothe interior of the flow diverter 184 from the inlets. As shown, theopening 200 includes a flow-controlling tongue 202. In an automotiveapplication, the inlets 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198 could respectivelybe arranged to receive a coolant fluid from transmission, radiator,bypass line, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), charge air cooler (CAC),and rear axle.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a valve 228 according to a sixthexemplary embodiment of the invention. The valve 228 includes a body 230having a main junction 232 and an inlet 234 secured to an end of themain junction 232 in an axially aligned manner. The main junction 232 issecured to a motor 236 at an end of the main junction 232 opposite theinlet 234. A flow diverter 238 is rotatably received in an interior ofthe main junction 232 and includes an end wall 239 defining a socketformation 240 engagingly receiving an output shaft 242 of motor 236 fordrivingly rotating the flow diverter 238. The valve body 230 alsoincludes outlets, such as outlet 244, extending transversely from themain junction 232. The flow diverter 238 includes a side wall 246 havingopenings, such as opening 248, for directing fluid to one of theoutlets, such as outlet 244, from the inlet 234 via an interior of theflow diverter 238. The flow diverter 238 also includes apertures 250defined by the end wall 239 to provide for balanced pressure on oppositesides of the end wall 239. As discussed with respect to some of theother embodiments, this embodiment also includes the taper in the mainjunction 232 to facilitate assembly, as well as the O-ring component.Although these features are optional, they are preferred.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a portion of the outer surface of the flowdiverter 238 is shown in flat layout in full open and full closedpositions, respectively. Similar to valve 46, the opening 248 in flowdiverter 238 of valve 228 includes a rounded first end 252 having aradius substantially matching that of the outlet 244 and an oppositesecond end 254 forming a flow controlling tongue 256. Also similar tovalve 46, the flow diverter 238 of valve 228 defines a circular groove258 for receiving an annular O-ring for creating a seal between the flowdiverter 238 and the outlet 244 when the flow diverter is moved to thefull closed position for outlet 244 shown in FIG. 14. The valve body 230also includes a reinforcing web 260 extending across an interior of theoutlet 244 adjacent the flow diverter 238. The web 260 providesreinforcing support for an O-ring located at the intersection betweenthe outlet 244 and the main junction 232. This support prevents saggingof the O-ring that might otherwise occur when the O-ring is heated. Forrelatively larger flow capacity valves (e.g., capacity greater thanapproximately 200 gals/minute) additional webs may be desired, forexample two webs arranged in an inverted V-shaped configuration as shownin broken line in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Referring to the schematic illustration of FIG. 15, there is shown anengine coolant system 262 incorporating the rotary valve 46 of FIGS. 3through 5. As illustrated by the flow arrows, engine coolant fluid isdirected to the valve 46 in system 262 from a radiator 264 via line 266and from a bypass line 268. The coolant fluid is outlet from the valve46 to engine 270 via a water pump 272.

Referring to the schematic illustration of FIG. 16, there is shownanother engine coolant system 274 incorporating the valve 46 of FIGS. 3through 5. As shown, system 274 is arranged such that engine coolantfluid is directed from the engine 270 to the valve 46 via the water pump272. Depending on the rotational position of the valve 46, the enginecoolant is outlet from the valve 46 either to the radiator 264 via line276 or returned to the engine 270 via bypass line 278.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is illustrated an engine coolant system 280incorporating the valve 154 of FIGS. 9 and 10. The system 280 isarranged such that engine coolant is inlet to the valve 154 fromradiator 282 via line 284, from the engine 286 via radiator bypass line288, or from transmission 290 via line 292. The engine coolant fluid isoutlet from the valve 154 to a water pump 294 via line 296. From thewater pump 294, the engine coolant is respectively directed to theengine 286 and the transmission 290 via lines 298, 300.

The inlet to the valve 154 of system 280 from the transmission 290preferably always remains opened. This arrangement allows bypass flow toheat the transmission 290 during cold weather conditions and to directcolder radiator flow during relatively hot conditions. As should beunderstood, the engine coolant could alternatively be directed toanother feature of an automobile rather than the transmission 290.

Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a portion of an engine coolantsystem 302 including an integral rotary valve 304 and electronic waterpump 306. The electronic water pump 306 is described in greater detailin U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,442, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. The rotary valve 304, like rotary valve 154 of FIGS. 9 and10, includes inlets 308, 310, 312 directing a fluid to a flow diverter314 rotatably received in an interior of a main junction 316. A motor318 includes a housing secured to one end of the main junction 316. Thevalve 304 lacks the outlet pipe that was included in the valve 154 ofFIGS. 9 and 10. Instead, a housing 320 of the electronic water pump 306is secured directly to the main junction 316 of the valve 304 oppositethe motor 318.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a coolant system 322 for anautomobile engine incorporating the integral valve 304 and water pump306 assembly of FIG. 18. The coolant is directed into the valve 304 insystem 322 from radiator 324 via line 326, from the engine 328 via aradiator bypass line 330, and from an oil pan 332 via line 334. Thefluid is output from the valve 304 to the integral water pump 306 and,from there, is directed to the engine 328 via line 336 and to the oilpan 332 via line 338. In terms of the coolant flow distribution, thesystem 322 is arranged substantially similar to the system 280 shown inFIG. 17, except that the coolant is directed from the water pump 306 tothe oil pan 332 instead of the transmission of the automobile. It shouldbe understood that the coolant line could conceivably be directed to anysuitable component of the automobile for conditioning by the coolantsystem. As was the case for the valve inlet from the transmission ofsystem 280, the valve inlet from the oil pan 332 in system 322 ispreferably maintained in an opened condition. Some small engines, suchas hybrid engines, might incorporate a Y connection to combine bothtransmission and oil pan cooling in a single electronic-water pump andelectronic control valve.

The foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseenby the inventor for which an enabling description was available,notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, notpresently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

1. A valve comprising: a body having an interior defining an inletpassageway and at least two discharge passageways; a flow diverterdisposed within the interior of the body between the inlet passagewayand the discharge passageways, the flow diverter defining an interior,the flow diverter adapted to receive a flow of a fluid within theinterior of the flow diverter from the inlet passageway in an inletdirection, the flow diverter adapted to discharge at least a portion ofthe flow of the fluid into one of the discharge passageways from theinterior of the flow diverter in a discharge direction that is differentfrom the inlet direction, the flow diverter rotatable with respect tothe body about a central axis of the flow diverter to vary the dischargedirection for the at least a portion of the flow of the fluid; and amotor coupled to the flow diverter for drivingly rotating the flowdiverter with respect to the body.
 2. The valve according to claim 1,wherein the flow diverter includes a substantially cylindrical wall, anopen end, and an end wall opposite the open end of the flow diverter,the end wall defining at least one aperture providing a pressure balancebetween the inlet and discharge passageways.
 3. The valve according toclaim 1, wherein the body includes a main junction having asubstantially cylindrical wall defining an interior located between theinlet passageway and the discharge passageways, and wherein the flowdiverter includes a substantially cylindrical wall rotatably receivedwithin the interior of the main junction of the body.
 4. The valveaccording to claim 3 further comprising a mounting plate located at anend of the main junction of the body, the mounting plate adapted toreceive a plurality of fasteners for removably attaching the valve bodyto the motor to facilitate removal of the valve body from the motorthereby providing access to the valve interior for repair or replacementof a valve component.
 5. The valve according to claim 1, wherein theflow diverter defines a groove in an outer surface of the flow diverterfor receiving a seal member adapted to prevent leakage between the flowdiverter and the valve body.
 6. The valve according to claim 5, whereinat least one of the outlets includes at least one reinforcing webadjacent an end of the outlet to provide reinforcing support for theseal member.
 7. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the body of thevalve includes a flange located at an end of the main junction oppositethe mounting plate, the flange defining a recessed shoulder on an innersurface of the flange, the body further including a closure platereceived by the recessed shoulder of the flange to enclose the flowdiverter within the interior of the main junction of the body.
 8. Thevalve according to claim 7, wherein the valve body is made from aplastic material and wherein the closure plate is secured to the flangeof the body using a spin welding process.
 9. The valve according toclaim 1, wherein the at least two discharge passageways include a firstdischarge passageway and a second discharge passageway, and wherein theflow diverter is rotatable between first and second flow positions, thepassageways and the flow diverter arranged such that the flow diverterdirects substantially all of the fluid from the interior of the flowdiverter into the first passageway when the flow diverter is in thefirst flow position and directs substantially all of the fluid from theinterior of the flow diverter into the second passageway when the flowdiverter is in the second flow position.
 10. The valve according toclaim 9, wherein the flow diverter includes a substantially cylindricalwall and defines a discharge opening extending around approximatelyone-half of a circumference of the cylindrical wall.
 11. The valveaccording to claim 1 further comprising a pair of bearings locatedbetween the flow diverter and the body to facilitate rotatable supportof the flow diverter with respect to the body.
 12. The valve accordingto claim 1, wherein the motor includes dual motor leads providingprotection against failure.
 13. A valve comprising: a body having aninterior defining an inlet passageway and at least two dischargepassageways; and a flow diverter disposed within the interior of thebody between the inlet passageway and the discharge passageways, theflow diverter defining an interior, the flow diverter adapted to receivea flow of a fluid within the interior of the flow diverter from theinlet passageway in an inlet direction, the flow diverter adapted todischarge at least a portion of the flow of the fluid into one of thedischarge passageways from the interior of the flow diverter in adischarge direction that is substantially perpendicular to the inletdirection, the flow diverter rotatable with respect to the body about anaxis of rotation of the flow diverter to vary the discharge directionfor the at least a portion of the flow of the fluid.
 14. The valveaccording to claim 13, wherein the inlet direction is substantiallyparallel to the axis of rotation for the flow diverter.
 15. The valveaccording to claim 13, wherein each of the discharge passageways of thebody has a substantially circular cross-section and wherein the flowdiverter defines at least one discharge opening having a periphery thatis non-symmetrical.
 16. The valve according to claim 15, wherein theflow diverter includes at least one flow-controlling tongue located atone of the discharge openings of the flow diverter.
 17. The valveaccording to claim 13, wherein the flow diverter includes asubstantially cylindrical side wall defining at least one dischargeopening, an open end and an end wall opposite the open end the flowdiverter, the end wall defining at least one aperture to provide apressure balance between the inlet and discharge passageways.
 18. Thevalve according to claim 13 further comprising a motor driven shaftcoupled to the flow diverter for rotating the flow diverter with respectto the body.
 19. The valve according to claim 18, wherein the flowdiverter includes a socket on the end wall and wherein the shaftincludes a non-circular periphery engagingly received by the socket fortorque transfer between the shaft and the flow diverter.
 20. The valveaccording to claim 19, wherein the body includes a mounting plate at anend of the body for mounting the body to a support member.
 21. The valveaccording to claim 20 further comprising a bushing mounted in themounting plate, the bushing adapted to receive the shaft to facilitaterelative rotation between the shaft and the body.
 22. The valveaccording to claim 13, wherein the body includes a main junctiondefining an interior located between the inlet passageway and thedischarge passageways, the flow diverter rotatably received within theinterior of the main junction.
 23. A valve comprising: a body having aninterior defining at least one inlet passageway and at least dischargepassageway; and a flow-controlling diverter disposed within the interiorof the body between the at least one inlet passageway and the at leastone discharge passageway, the diverter adapted to receive a flow of afluid within the interior of the diverter from at least one of the inletpassageways in an inlet direction and to discharge the flow of the fluidfrom the interior of the diverter to at least one of the dischargepassages in a discharge direction, the discharge direction substantiallyperpendicular to the inlet direction.
 24. A coolant system for anautomobile having a circulated coolant fluid, the coolant systemcomprising: a water pump adapted to discharge a pressurized flow of thecoolant fluid; a valve having body defining an interior and includingfirst, second and third inlets for receiving the coolant fluid withinthe interior of the valve body; a radiator inlet line coupled between aradiator and an engine of the automobile for delivering coolant fluidfrom the engine to the radiator; a radiator return line coupled betweenthe radiator and the first inlet of the valve for delivering coolantfluid from the radiator to the interior of the valve; a radiator bypassline coupled between the radiator inlet line and the second inlet of thevalve for delivering coolant fluid from the radiator inlet line to theinterior of the valve; an engine inlet line coupled between the engineand the water pump for delivering coolant fluid from the water pump tothe engine; a component inlet line coupled between the water pump and acomponent of the automobile for delivering coolant fluid from the waterpump to the component; a component return line coupled between thecomponent of the automobile and the third inlet of the valve, the valveincluding a flow diverter rotatably disposed within the interior of thevalve body, the flow diverter defining an interior adapted to receivecoolant fluid from at least one of the inlets depending on a rotationalposition of the flow diverter with respect to the valve body.
 25. Thecoolant system according to claim 24, wherein the component of theautomobile is the transmission.
 26. The coolant system according toclaim 24, wherein the component of the automobile is the oil pan. 27.The coolant system according to claim 24, wherein the valve bodyincludes a main junction to which each of the inlets of the valve isconnected and wherein the water pump includes a housing secured to themain junction of the valve.